Another Trip to Chicago

[sabotlours]

As I hinted in an earlier post, I made another road trip to Chicago. It was a nice drive. I averaged 66 MPH over 11 hours. I made it to Topeka KS just as the sun was setting. Perfect timing. I also got to witness the lovely full moon rising in the east. There was a On the Border restaurant across the street, so I just went there for dinner. It really is the Applebees of Mexican food, but the margaritas were good. I even got a shot of Patron Anejo for a buck.

Yesterday was mostly uneventful. The highway across the Missouri River that I mentioned in my post for my last road trip was once again closed. I hope they are raising it so it won't be subject to flooding like it was earlier this year. Everything was going great until I hit Springfield IL. I was in traffic when all of a sudden the vehicle started vibrating and I started losing power. The dashboard lit up like a Christmas tree. I managed to pull off the interstate and shut things down. There was something definitely wrong and I hoped I would be able to get to Chicago. I started back up and only the "check engine light" was on. I did a search on my symptoms, and it appeared it was probably something related to an O2 sensor. I started back up and gradually built up speed on the shoulder. 50...OK. 60...OK. 70...OK. Hey! I'm doing the speed limit! And that's how it went all the way home. *phew* I took it to a local dealer today and am waiting for the diagnosis. I didn't want Mom to drive, so I ended up walking 2 miles to a train station and catching a train most of the way home. At least I got a good walkie after sitting on my ass for 2 days.

EDIT: Ugh. Just got a call from the dealer. The code came back as a misfire at a spark plug. It could be a symptom of a piston ring problem. Maybe. Maybe not. The "cure" would be an engine overhaul with new rings. With the age of the vehicle, he didn't recommend that unless I wanted to. The engine might last months or perhaps a few more years. Well...we had been thinking about a new vehicle. Maybe this is the thing to motivate us. *shrugs* At least I can get home and think about things in a more relaxed situation.

Comments

[mondhasen.livejournal.com]

My “check engine light” came on two weeks ago while I was driving to work. First thing I did was check the gas cap - Sssssssss! Damn vapor pressure was intense. Looked under the hood for good measure but saw nothing was chewed. Checked on causes (EVAP system was most likely, natch) and then took it in for service (I needed an oil change anyway). $570 and good to go!

[foxymoonheart.livejournal.com]

Car trouble is never fun. My car transmission died when I was moving to L.A. many years back. Funny that where it broke down (Indiana) is where I live nowadays.

Hopefully things will work out, whatever you decide. A new vehicle isn't a bad idea, if it's within your budget, and better than being stranded somewhere.

[allaboutweather.livejournal.com]

I see a "road trip challenge" in the future.... where you car breaks down is where you live. :p

[foxymoonheart.livejournal.com]

Haha, thank you Padparadscha. Just an odd coincidence. One of my girlfriends was also from Indiana, so very curious. I still miss my home in New England, though.

[c-eagle.livejournal.com]

This might sound obvious, but I do hope they will also consider just changing that spark plug ;D

[dexter-fox.livejournal.com]

Good thing you didn't get stranded.